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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Love & Other Cures for the Recently Undead?

I was golfing with a friend and we were talking about zombies and zombie cures. It got me thinking about the psychology impact of going through a zombie apocalypse and what that would look like for the people left behind. The more I thought about it, the less I could let it go.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Love & Other Cures for the Recently Undead, what would they be?

"The Night We Met" by Lord Huron-I feel like this song was written for them.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Psychological mystery, fantasy, quiet horror.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See- it’s for my book club!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The tennis court scene (wink, wink).

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No real quirky habits other than I use the WORACLE cards pretty regularly. They’re a deck of cards I created to help with the writing process.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

This thing isn’t going to write itself.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That there’s still hope after trauma.

HJ Ramsay is the author of the new book Love & Other Cures for the Recently Undead

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Theodora?

The idea hit me after a solo trip to Edinburgh. I totally fell in love with Scotland, and when I got back, some drama with my in-laws went down, which ended up inspiring the book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Theodora, what would they be?

"Infinity" by The xx.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love contemporary romance, but can dabble in thriller.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The rain scene.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Noise cancelling headphones and my doodle dogs at my feet.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Write stories that scratch the brain.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

We live in the grey area.

Summer Cassel is the author of the new book Theodora

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a Throuple?

My experience in a throuple literally turned my life upside down. I never in a million years thought I'd allow a third person equal footing in my 22-year partnership but I did and the events that followed were quite harrowing to say the least. I felt compelled to share my experience and what I believe is a healthy open relationship vs. one that could be ultimately destructive.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a Throuple, what would they be?

For me - "Wings" by Jackson Dean and "Still Alive" by Arizona.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

All genres but I'm a sucker for a good book cover and title. If it catches my eye, I'll generally pick up a copy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith and The Family by Naomi Krupitsky.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the scene when I first met Lucas Walker - the third man in.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Waking up in the middle of the night and writing in the dark.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Loyalty is everything.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Learn how to listen to your body's "inner whisper."

Jeff Hudson is the author of the new book Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a Throuple

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Spinster's Resolve?

Such a big question! It actually started during COVID — the internet was down (the horror), I’d finished all the books on my Kindle, and I was craving a Regency slow-burn, clean romance with a cozy mystery. Out of sheer boredom, I started imagining a story in my head… and found I was having way too much fun with it. Then a spinster appeared — fully formed and quite opinionated — and refused to leave. So I started writing. And once I realised I could weave in all the things I’ve loved reading over the years, I couldn’t stop.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Spinster's Resolve, what would they be?

For Grace, it would be “Reflection” from Mulan — that sense of someone who knows who she is deep down, but feels unseen by the world around her. It’s soft, powerful, and quietly aching — just like her.

For Gabriel, I’d choose “My Confession” by Josh Groban — all intense longing, buried emotion, and the quiet torment of loving someone he’s not quite sure he deserves.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Unfortunately, I’m a bit one-dimensional — I tend to reach for Regency romance or cozy murder mysteries almost every time. If I find a book that combines both? That’s my happy place. Add a slow-burn romance, a suspicious footman, and a heroine with sharp instincts, and I’m not moving from my reading nook for hours. Luckily, I ended up writing exactly the kind of book I love to read.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now I’ve got A Method for Revenge by Cara Devlin and The Gravesend Murder by Lana Williams waiting for me — both historical mysteries, of course. And there is a stack of unread nonfiction I keep pretending I’ll get to.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

So many to choose from! But I absolutely loved writing the ballroom chapter — Grace’s Cinderella moment, when her outward appearance finally reflects the quiet, defiant beauty she’s always carried inside. Gabriel’s reaction… let’s just say... it was extremely satisfying to write. That chapter is an emotional rollercoaster — a few soaring highs, followed by some brutal drops. I know, I’m a bit sadistic like that. But it’s where everything shifts, and I couldn’t stop smiling (and wincing) as I wrote it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I can’t write a single word unless I have a steaming cup of tea beside me, my cat sprawled over my shins like royalty, and I’m sitting in the cosiest spot on the sofa (it’s mine, and everyone knows it). I often play instrumental music or random nature sounds from YouTube — rain, birds, sometimes forest ambience. I know. I’m odd. But somehow, it works.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Softness is not weakness. It’s strength in a quieter key.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That being overlooked doesn’t mean being powerless. Some of the boldest revolutions begin quietly — with tea, observation, and a refusal to be silenced.

Lateefa Harris is the author of the new book The Spinster's Resolve

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1)?

I’ve always loved fantasy. I grew up watching Star Wars, which is fantasy and not sci-fi ! I’ve always been drawn to stories about heroes, about hope, about something bigger than ourselves. But I started noticing that those stories almost always centered around characters from the US or the UK. And I thought, why? Supernatural stories can unfold anywhere. Magic doesn’t belong to just one place, and neither does love. I wanted to create a world where someone from a different background — someone who maybe hasn’t always seen themselves in books — could still be the hero, fall in love, and be part of something epic. The Jade Necklace was born from that need for representation, and from the belief that everyone deserves a place in the fantasy genre.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1), what would they be?

For Robin, it has to be “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. It’s haunting, romantic, and full of longing — just like him. After a thousand years of loneliness and indifference, he’s finally falling for someone… and it terrifies him more than any curse ever did.

For Clara, I’d choose “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia. She’s been through fire — literally and emotionally — and this song reflects her strength. She may not fully understand her powers yet, but her spirit? Unbreakable.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Definitely fantasy — especially big, epic stories with high stakes, magic, and characters who grow into heroes. I don’t necessarily seek out romance as a genre, but I can’t stand a story that doesn’t have at least some romance in it. That emotional tension, the push and pull — it adds so much depth. That said, I’m also not a fan of stories that are only about romance. I need the worldbuilding, the danger, the purpose beyond just falling in love. I guess I like my stories like I like my coffee: a little too sweet, with just enough strength underneath to keep me hooked.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the moment Robin first meets Clara — when the whole world just stops. She’s in serious danger, and his revenge is right there for the taking… but then he sees her. I won’t spoil how it goes down, but let’s just say: my heart almost stopped the moment he laid eyes on her. Writing that scene felt electric — everything changed for both of them in an instant, and I think readers will feel it too.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I definitely do a lot of walk-writing, gym-writing, jog-writing… mentally, at least. I’m constantly building scenes in my head while moving — it helps me stay in the zone and figure out tricky plot moments. And when I actually sit down to write, I’ve made it a habit to reward myself with little treats after finishing a chapter. Chocolate, coffee… or something a little naughty. Whatever keeps the inspiration (and motivation) flowing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Everybody deserves a second chance. Whether it's in life, love, or even after making a terrible mistake — I believe in redemption. People are complicated, messy, and sometimes deeply flawed… but that doesn’t mean they’re beyond hope. That idea finds its way into everything I write

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That no one is ever just one thing. People can be broken and still worthy of love. They can make mistakes and still deserve forgiveness. Power doesn’t come from being perfect — it comes from surviving, choosing to try again, and learning to love the parts of yourself you once feared.

Jad Phillip is the author of the new book The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Sweet Sinners?

I've always been OBSESSED with forbidden love stories, the kind where you're literally yelling at the characters like, "No! Bad idea!" but deep down, you're secretly hoping they'll ignore you. I live for that tension! Honestly, the heart wants what it wants, and who are we to judge, right? Sweet Sinners came to life because I wanted to play right on that line between acceptable and taboo, like a sneaky little dance that keeps you questioning your morals but unable to look away. Cali and Connor’s romance is exactly that: deliciously forbidden, shamelessly passionate, and scandalously sweet. Once their story started brewing in my mind, there was no going back. I had to give them the wild ride they deserved!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Sweet Sinners, what would they be?

For Cali, I'd go with "Nightmare" by Halsey. Cali is fiery, unapologetic, and bold, and this song captures her fierce energy perfectly.

For Connor, it has to be "Take Me to Church" by Hozier. He’s intense, complicated, and struggles between what he wants and what he knows he shouldn’t have.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I LIVE for romance, obviously. Give me all the swoons, drama, and heart-fluttering feels, but I’m also a sucker for a good thriller, especially the ones that leave me reeling with jaw-dropping twists. You know, those "throw the book across the room and scream WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" moments. My favorite genre to write, hands down, is romance (duh!). It’s my comfort zone, my obsession, my happy place. But who knows? Maybe someday I'll feel bold enough to write a thriller that'll have readers screaming and questioning their sanity.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Please don’t shame me, the list is SO long it's borderline embarrassing. But sitting pretty at the very top right now are Belladonna, Phantasma, and Tethered.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Sweet Sinners is SUCH a slow burn, we're talking page 200+ before we get the spice spicin' (I'm sorry besties, it was torture for me too!). So my absolute favorite scene to write was definitely that "**** it" moment when Cali and Connor finally give in. The tension, the drama, the payoff...whew! I promise, it's worth every deliciously frustrating second of the wait!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Hmm, I wouldn’t say quirky exactly, but I do have a habit of handwriting a lot of my scenes. We're talking NOTEBOOKS filled with scribbles, messy ideas, and dramatic dialogue. Nothing hits quite as hard as putting my chaotic thoughts down with good old-fashioned pen and paper.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My motto is "Happiness is a choice." I've honestly repeated that to myself every day for years. I even got the word tattooed when I was 17 to remind myself that no matter what's going on around me, choosing happiness is something I can always control. Life might be messy, but finding joy, even in small moments, is always up to us.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

As an avid reader of dark romance myself, I wanted to write a story where, yes, the themes delve into the dark side, but the main characters (especially the main male character) don't necessarily have to be toxic to be compelling. Connor is morally gray because of circumstances he never asked for; he’s a product of his past, struggling between darkness and light. My goal was to create a love story that rides that fine line, something both dark romance and contemporary readers could sink their teeth into. If readers remember just one thing, I hope it's this: stepping out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding, and love does conquer all. (at least in my world, ha!)

N.D. Roldan is the author of the new book Sweet Sinners

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Pigeon in the Pen (Marshall Morris is at it Again Book 1)?

This novel is the third in a series centering on Marshall Morris, an affable young Texan who stumbles through one emerging life predicament after another. Somehow, he takes the least expected path most often with amusing circumstances. Each book in the series offers a unique life lesson confronting young adults, which in this case is illegal drugs.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Pigeon in the Pen (Marshall Morris is at it Again Book 1), what would they be?

Perhaps "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love action thrillers with strong plots and surprise endings. Also, biographies, including memoirs. Sorry, no dystopian for me.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"Red Metal" by Mark Greaney; "Salt River" by Randy Wayne White; "All the Colors" by Chris Whitaker; "The Lost Continent" by Bill Bryson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Marshall is in prison with strict instructions to be a "fly on the wall". It takes him about five minutes to confront an MS-13 gang which is torturing another prisoner.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My mellow-yellow Lab, Floyd, who runs my website, likes to sleep with his shaggy head on my feet.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My inclination is to over engineer and stew over every detail. I have finally learned to take things as they come and go with the flow.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope the message is clear: Illicit drugs, especially fentanyl, are deadly. Resist peer pressure to experiment.

Robert John DeLuca is the author of the new book A Pigeon in the Pen (Marshall Morris is at it Again Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write KILL SWITCH (A River Swift Thriller Book 1)?

Inspiration can be a funny thing. For me, it never manifests itself through some big revelation but rather creeps on me tentatively. I wanted to write a book for my goddaughter who is in her mid-thirties. America has been on my mind. I worked there and have friend and family in the mid-west and California. I like my characters to be edgy, reluctant heroes or heroines who rise to the challenge... and so River Swift was born.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of KILL SWITCH (A River Swift Thriller Book 1), what would they be?

"Unstoppable" by Sia.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

In fiction, I read lots of thrillers and espionage, but also classical and contemporary literature - Iris Murdoch is my favorite author.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Oligarch's Daughter by Joseph Finder.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

River and her friend Karen are reminiscing their time as army medics, whilst watching the Northern Lights in Alaska. Anything else may be a spoiler.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My cat sleeps on a cushion on my desk, occasionally demanding attention, which I happily give.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be authentic - Be kind - Be brave.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

How courageous some of my characters have been, in their own way.

Freddie P Peters is the author of the new book KILL SWITCH (A River Swift Thriller Book 1)

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